A WOMAN was pushed in a canal during a theft in Lancaster, police report.

Around 1am yesterday (Sunday, March 19) a 35-year-old woman was walking along the waterway between De Vitre Street and Ridge Lane when she saw a man on the towpath near Green Street.

As the woman walked under the bridge near Ridge Lane, the man grabbed her and following a struggle pushed her into the canal.

While she was in the water a white Samsung Galaxy S6 mobile phone and some money were taken from the victim’s handbag, which had been dropped on the pathway.

The woman, who suffered some scratches and bruises during the scuffle, managed to climb out of the canal and was helped by a member of the public who took her home.

The suspect is described as white, in his early 20s with short dark hair.

Detectives are appealing for information and urging anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police.

Detective Constable Alan Gale, of Lancashire Police, said: “We are investigating a serious theft in Lancaster where a man has pushed a woman into a canal before making off with her money and mobile phone.

“The incident has left the victim very shaken and we need to find the person responsible for this crime as soon as possible.

“We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the offence to contact police.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the man who took the victim home. If you helped the female involved, please call us immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0327 of March 19.